red spots on inner thighs - herpes help

[huxtable1]

I am a 41 year old male.  I developed a large pimple/blister on my waistline Oct. 3rd. Just below my navel and to the left. It was located right in a pubic hair area and where the waist of my jeans could irritate it. I tried to pop it, but only irritated it further and it developed a whitehead.

Oct. 8th I was diagnosed with Shingles on my left side (neck, chest, shoulder and upper back).  Blisters were confirmed following a swab test and tested neg for HSV-1 and 2. I took Acyclovir and my shingles outbreak has resolved.

My waistline pimple/blister popped 2 weeks ago. It had a white puss and blood discharge. It is now a slow healing mark that gets irritated from my boxers.  I went to the doctor last week because I was still feeling tired, sore throa, etc. and after websurfing I was concerned that my pimple/blister was Herpes.  My doctor said the waistline spot appeared to be folliculitis.   I also felt like my waistline area was itchy and sensitive. I requested a blood work-up to rule out any other illness and also asked for a herpes blood test.

I await the results, but am suffering from anxiety.  I think I am having discomfort in my groin area and am urinating more. Yesterday I developed 1 red spot on each of my inner thighs (almost the exact spot on each side). The spots are small and in a hairy area, but neither has hair coming out of it. The areas are warm and the red spots kind of sting when in contact with other skin or clothes.

I don't have any blisters on my genitals, I have been in a monogomous relationship for over a year. My herpes concerns have affected my sleep and certainly havent helped my healing process with the Shingles.

Can Folliculitis stick around for 5 weeks or more?
What could those red spots be?
Is it normal to feel rundown 4 weeks into Shingles recovery?
What are the odds that one could suffer from Shingles & Herpes at the same time?
Recommended treatment of the folliculitis, the red dots and my anxiety?

[WertherQuestion]

i had folliculitis on both thighs and was freaking out

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Can Folliculitis stick around for 5 weeks or more?

Yes, especially if you poke at or play with the lesions.

What could those red spots be?

Folliculitis.  Not herpes.  Herpes doesn't affect both thighs at the same time.

Is it normal to feel rundown 4 weeks into Shingles recovery?

Not really, but I think your anxiety would be a good enough explanation for that.

What are the odds that one could suffer from Shingles & Herpes at the same time?

Very long odds, indeed, since the two viruses are totally different, even if they are distant relatives.

Recommended treatment of the folliculitis, the red dots and my anxiety?

Bacitracin ointment, leaving the spots alone, and following your doctors advice.


Really, sir, it sounds as though you have nothing to worry about.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff